China has reiterated its opposition to leveraging the South China Sea issue to expand military alliances, calling such actions counterproductive to regional stability. The remarks came during a press briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, who addressed recent U.S.-Philippines defense agreements and Japan’s reported plans to sell military equipment to Manila.
Regional Tensions Rise
Guo’s comments follow Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the U.S., where both nations reaffirmed that their Mutual Defense Treaty extends to the South China Sea. The two sides also announced plans to deploy U.S. intermediate-range missiles and co-build ammunition depots in the Philippines. Separately, Japan is reportedly preparing to sell six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to Manila.
Calls for Restraint
“Such moves will not solve any problem, nor will they intimidate China,” Guo stated, emphasizing that militarization contradicts the Asia-Pacific’s shared goals of peace and development. He urged the Philippines to “stop heightening tensions” and avoid relying on external forces to assert its claims.
While acknowledging nations’ rights to defense cooperation, Guo stressed that such efforts must not target third parties or escalate maritime disputes. He called on Manila to adopt an independent foreign policy and prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
